Menu

oil free

I’m a little late to the party on this one, but hey, better late than never, right?! Here’s what I’ve been loving for the months of May, June, and July!

1. Alex and Ani “Zest for Life” Charm Bangle

I’ve blogged about my love of Alex and Ani bracelets before, and this newly released, limited-edition version is no exception. Each Alex and Ani bracelet has a special meaning, and this particular one, called “Zest for Life“, is a “reminder that when life hands you lemons, you have the power to take positive action, sweeten the situation, and make lemonade.The power to create a desirable outcome is always within reach.” (Alexandani.com) Not only is the meaning super-positive, for each purchase of this bracelet, Alex and Ani will donate 20% of the purchase price to a charity benefiting childhood cancer patients and help fund pediatric cancer research. I love that this bracelet stands for positivity and helps others, and so it was well worth the drive to the USA to pick one up. Check out more about this bracelet, and where you can purchase Alex and Ani products here.

2. Too Faced Shadow Insurance Champagne Eye Shadow Primer

I love a product that multitasks. Not only is this primer the perfect base for both shimmery and matte shadows, helping to bring out their pigmentation and last all day long, it’s also a gorgeous product to wear on it’s own (for those lazy mornings we all have now and again…or every day). This product is crease-proof, waterproof, and lasts all day.

3. Mark’s Work Warehouse Denver Hayes Romper in “Black”

I recently posted about my love of this romper on Instagram, and how I’d been searching for one with longer-length shorts for what seems like the entire Summer. I want to be able to do normal human things (walk, bend over, sit down) without having to worry about showing off too much (if you know what I mean). I wanted a romper that was classy, comfy, and fashionable, and this one from Mark’s Work Warehouse has it all. Oh yeah, and did I mention it’s currently on clearance for only $14.88!?

4. Urban Decay Naked Smoky

The Urban Decay Naked palettes never need much of an introduction (I’ve blogged about previous palettes here, here, and here). As someone who lives for a good smoky eye, this newly released “Smoky” version is close to my heart. With 12 gorgeous neutral, smoky toned shadows, not to mention the beautiful packaging, this palette is an essential for any makeup lover’s collection. It even comes with a dual ended brush, and a lookbook to help you create 4 (of endless) looks using the palette.

5. Neutrogena Oil-Free Cleansing Wipes-Pink Grapefruit

I’ve always tended to prefer face wash over wipes, however after receiving these as a gift, I decided to give them a try. Needless to say (as they are in my favourites after all), I fell in love. Not only do I use these to remove makeup, I also like to use them mid-day (especially on weekends when I don’t typically wear makeup) to remove oil and freshen up. I love the fresh, grapefruit scent, and that they leave your skin feeling smooth and clean (no greasy residue).

Aside from loving the feeling of a fresh, makeup-free face, one of the reasons I remove my makeup at night is because my eyes and skin areextremelysensitive (blemishes, dry spots, and eye irritations are not uncommon). As many of you already know, finding the perfect cleanser or remover can be far from an easy task…until now, that is. EnterGarnier Clean+ Makeup Removing Lotion Cleanser: a product that is extremely gentle, but impressively effective at dissolving all traces of makeup and impurities (including waterproof mascara!). The formula is infused with the Moringa seed and plant extracts, and is fragrance, alcohol, dye, and oil free. It is also dermatologist, allergy, and ophthalmologist tested, making it well-suited to sensitive skin.

I was given the opportunity* to test this product out, and was excited to see it work its magic. The instructions state to apply the product directly to dry skin with your fingers and gently massage. To remove, simply wipe away with a cotton pad, or rinse clean with water. I first tested this product out on a day where I had on a full face of makeup (including waterproof mascara and eyeliner, and a lip stain). Truthfully, I was a little skeptical that a lotion, especially an oil free one, would effectively be able to break down the long-wearing makeup formulas I had on that day. So, I applied as per the instructions on the bottle, gently massaging the lotion and focusing extra attention to my eye area. I was especially excited when the “sting” in my eyes I normally get with other eye-makeup removers never came! I washed the product off with warm water, looked in the mirror, and my makeup was completely gone. Even better, the product left my face feeling like I had just applied moisturizer: soft, calm, clean, and refreshed. I also tried using this product with a cotton pad, as per the second recommended method, and found it worked just as well (see the picture below, where I removed waterproof liner and a lip stain from my hand).

A lip stain and waterproof liner are easily removed.

Because this lotion works to remove not only makeup, but also the various impurities that collect on your skin, you are able to use it morning and night. Additionally, you’ll continue to see and feel the benefits of using this product over time as you continue to use it (I did!). I’m excited to have found this product, and consider it a permanent addition to my beauty regime. I’d definitely recommend trying this product out…your skin (and eyes) will thank you (and don’t forget to let me know what you think in the comments below)!

*Product has been provided by Garnier Canada, the opinions and language are my own, and in no way do they reflect Garnier Canada.

I know what you’re thinking: Elyse, a t-shirt is a t-shirt. But trust me, these shirts are perfection. Part of AE’s new collection, these tees are the perfect length, are extremely soft and silky, are tagless, and come out good-as-new when washing. I purchased my v-neck in black, (they are available in other colours), and the “Soft & Sexy” line also includes other styles (muscle tees, baseball tees, zip ups, and more!).

For me, a good toothpaste is hard to find. Sometimes I don’t like the texture, sometimes I don’t care for the taste, and sometimes I’m just not happy with the results. But for me, this toothpaste has it all: sensitivity protection, whitening, and a great “clean” feeling after you use it. I’m especially impressed with its whitening ability, and noticed a significant difference after just a few days of use.

I tried this tea after I found it in my pantry on a day when my go-to, Orange Pekoe, had run out. When it comes to home-brewed tea, this is definitely one of my new front-runners. A combination of, “cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, star anise and cloves”, I find it to be extremely smooth tasting and aromatic (just smelling it calms me down at the end of the day).

Lip pencils have become one of my favourite beauty products as of late (check out my Valentine’s day post here). I was introduced to this MAC classic when I went to pick up the new Viva Glam Miley Cyrus Lipstickand TintedLipglass. The makeup artist at the MAC counter was wearing a gorgeous colour on her lips, and she informed me that it was actually this lip pencil underneath the Miley lipglass. She had received so many compliments on her lip combo, that her store at the mall (and the MAC counter in The Bay) were all sold out. So, three MAC counters later, I now own and love this lip pencil. Wear it on its own, with a lipstick, or under a gloss. Any which way, you’re sure to love it too!

Aldo Accessories is one of my favourite stores, and I frequent it often to check out their sale section (usually buy one, get one free). This fun statement necklace, made of multifaceted black rings woven into braided black fabric, is perfect for jazzing up the neckline of a simple crew neck tee (or LBD).

I’ve already raved about this product in my previous post: a review of the Aveeno Fresh Essentials line. So to summarize, this scrub: a) smells amazing, b) feels awesome on your skin, and c) works like a charm. Highly recommend!

Having experienced one of the coldest Canadian winters yet, and with Spring just a month (or so) away, I couldn’t imagine a better set of products to review than Aveeno’s Fresh Essentials line. With its gorgeous floral packaging and equally beautiful scent, these products are essentially Spring in a bottle.

I was given the opportunity* to test out three products from this line: the Daily Exfoliating Scrub, the Night Cream, and the Daily Moisturizer SPF 30. All of them are oil free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic (i.e.: they won’t clog your pores). The concept behind the Fresh Essentials line is that it harnesses the power of Southernwood extract (a natural antioxidant) and vitamins A, C, and E, to keep the “good” in (moisture), and the “bad” out (drying environmental factors), therefore leaving the skin looking and feeling refreshed and radiant.

The Daily Exfoliating Scrub (145ml Tube, $9.97-$12.99 CAD)

Let’s start with my personal favourite, the scrub. This product is, by far, one of the best facial scrubs I’ve ever used. The exfoliating formula (with natural luffa and coconut pulp) is gentle but extremely effective: you can feel smoother skin instantly. The product rinses off easily, turning into a silky cleanser which leaves no greasy residue. It prepares your skin for moisturizer (and allows it to be more effective), and even helps makeup apply more evenly. What I also love? A little bit goes a long way (I only use a dime-size amount of product for my entire face), so you’re getting great value for money.

The Night Cream (49ml Jar, $16.97-$19.99 CAD)

To be honest, I’d never used a night cream before trying this product. For some reason, I always assumed that my daytime moisturizer was “good enough”. I was wrong. I applied this product at night, (after using the scrub), and loved that it applied smoothly, evenly, and wasn’t greasy. As someone who struggles from the occasional bout of acne, I’ll admit I was a little worried that using a thicker night cream would cause me to break out, but it actually helped clear my skin up! Instantly, my skin felt and looked moisturized, and this lasted all through the night and into the next morning thanks to a blend of vitamins and antioxidants that replenish your skin’s moisture barrier while you sleep.

The Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 (74ml Bottle, $16.97-$19.99 CAD)

The first reason I love this product is that it has SPF 30. As someone who burns easily, I love that this product works double-duty as a moisturizer and as a protector from the sun’s harmful rays. I also love that it comes with a pump for easy use and application. It applies and wears beautifully, leaving skin looking and feeling soft and smooth thanks to conditioning emollients that replenish moisture to the skin, and strengthen its moisture barrier. I especially enjoy that this product has such a “light” feel when applied, allowing it to wear nicely alone or under makeup.

Where to Buy?

I’m truly excited about the results I see and feel from using this line, and will definitely continue to use all three of these products. Want to try them out for yourself? You can purchase them at various grocery stores, drug stores, and mass merchandisers across Canada.

Giveaway!

I am excited to be giving away all three of these products to one lucky winner!

Like and comment onthis pictureletting me know what your essentials are for looking and feeling fresh (don’t forget to use the hashtag #FreshEssentials)!

This giveaway is open to Canadian residents only (must be 18 years of age or older to enter), and will run from March 1st-March 3rd at 9:00pm EST. The winner will be announced on Instagram at 12:00pm EST on March 4th.

Good Luck!

*Product provided for consideration; all thoughts and opinions are genuine and my own.